North Korea says it conducted successful test of multiple rocket launchers

Launch described as ‘crucial work of very great significance’ for national defence

Unverified view, released on March 28th, 2020,  of the testing of what North Korean  media call a super-large multiple rocket launcher. Photograph:    Korean Central News Agency  via Reuters
Unverified view, released on March 28th, 2020, of the testing of what North Korean media call a super-large multiple rocket launcher. Photograph: Korean Central News Agency via Reuters

North Korea’s latest test of super-large multiple rocket launchers on Sunday was a success, state media said on Monday.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in a flurry of launches that South Korea decried as “inappropriate” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The North’s official KCNA news agency said the launch was aimed at examining the strategic and technical features of the “super-large multiple rocket launchers,” which has been tested multiple times since last August, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, ahead of deployment.

‘Super-large’ launchers

KCNA did not mention Kim’s attendance at the latest test, led by ruling party vice chairman Ri Pyong Chol and conducted at the Academy of National Defence Science.

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“The operational deployment of the weapon system of super-large multiple rocket launchers is a crucial work of very great significance in realising the party’s new strategic intention for national defence,” Ri was quoted as saying during the test, without elaborating.

“The test-fire was conducted successfully,” KCNA added.

It marked the fourth round of tests this month since North Korea staged military drills and resumed missile launches following a three-month break.

The move indicated the progress of Pyongyang’s weapons development while denuclearisation negotiations with the United States remain in limbo. – Reuters